#6 Bears Have Biggie at #11 Oregon; Hart Near Michigan Record

Saturday

EUGENE, Ore. - Middle linebacker Worrell Williams has played in his share of big games during his career at Cal, but he usually doesn't realize just how crucial they are until the night before.

But as early as Tuesday during Cal's weekly press luncheon, Williams already had acknowledged the importance of today's showdown between the No. 6 Bears and No. 11 Oregon.

"A lot of times I don't feel the magnitude of the game until Friday night," Williams said. "This is definitely a must-win situation."

Cal (4-0) has its eyes on a Bowl Championship Series berth this season, meaning it probably can't afford to lose more than a game or two. The Bears' biggest tests this season were supposed to be against Tennessee, UCLA and USC, but the surprising Ducks suddenly provide an early obstacle to Cal's aspirations to play in January.

Plenty to Prove for Purdue

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. | Winless Notre Dame would seem to have more at stake in today's game against in-state rival Purdue.

The Fighting Irish (0-4) are off to their worst start in their 119-season history, and the scrutiny on the program and coach Charlie Weis has been intensifying.

Purdue (4-0) has plenty to prove, too.

The Boilermakers are knocking on the door of the Top 25, but national respect has eluded them because they've played a soft schedule. Purdue joins Connecticut, Michigan State and Kansas as the only major college teams that are unbeaten and unranked.

Hart on Brink

Mike Hart realized early that patience would be his best friend.

So he waited.

Waited for a scholarship at the school he wanted, a chance to get on the field and for an opportunity to show he could thrive.

He waits for holes to open behind the line, opponents to wear down and problems to pass.

Today, all that patience could pay off.

Midway through his fourth season as Michigan's tailback, Hart is about to assume the most hallowed individual record in school history, surpassing Anthony Thomas atop the career rushing list.

Hart needs 139 yards to pass Thomas' record of 4,472 yards, and is a good bet to get those yards today against porous Northwestern.